Perimeter Institute invites students to join its world-leading research community for a part-time 10-week online school in theoretical physics beginning in May 2025. In addition, some of these students will also come to Perimeter to participate in groundbreaking research through a paid internship program. All students will learn research tools and collaboration skills while immersed (online or in person) in the multi-disciplinary environment of the world’s largest independent theoretical physics research centre.
Perimeter Institute’s PSI Start program consists of two parts, and is for students who intend to apply to a physics graduate program such as Perimeter’s PSI Master’s program.
Applicants must meet both of the following criteria:
- Applicants must plan to apply to a graduate program in physics that starts in 2026 or later
- Applicants must have some knowledge of classical mechanics and quantum mechanics before the start of the program in May 2025
Approximately 40 successful applicants will take part in four courses on modern topics in theoretical physics, taught by exceptional researchers and teachers. Online participants in PSI Start will also have the opportunity to work on online group projects that examine topics in modern theoretical physics. The school will involve 4.5 hours of synchronous content and 1-2 hours of independent work or study each week for 10 weeks total. There is no cost to participate in the online school. Learn more about the online school.
PSI Start applicants may also apply for an in-person paid research internship (up to 15 weeks in duration) at Perimeter Institute. The 10 students accepted as interns will be fully immersed in Perimeter’s renowned research environment, work on projects alongside Perimeter researchers, and potentially even publish their work. Students will have the rare opportunity to develop their research skills and absorb the rich variety of seminars and discussion groups at Perimeter Institute. Selection for the internship will occur at the same time that online school students are selected, and interns will participate in 8 weeks of the online school. Learn more about the research internship.
In the PSI Start online application form, applicants can apply for the online school or for both the online school and the research internship. All positions will be awarded by the end of February 2025. All research interns will participate in 8 weeks of the online school. Learn more about the application process.
Important dates
- Application opens: November 2024
- Application deadline: January 13, 2025 (applications may be considered after this deadline until all positions are filled)
- Reference forms deadline: January 29, 2025
- Selection timeline: Online school attendees and interns will be selected by the end of February 2025.
Financial support for the PSI Start Program
Research interns will be paid through a Research Award. Perimeter Institute will also cover economy travel expenses between each intern’s home institution and Toronto Pearson Airport. Ground transportation from Toronto Pearson Airport to Perimeter Institute will also be provided. Interns will be provided with credit at Perimeter Institute’s Black Hole Bistro to use for weekday meals (excluding holidays).
While there are no participation fees for the online school, Perimeter Institute recognizes that participation in an online program may be a financial burden to some students. Financial support, such as funding for IT equipment, is available to participants based on their needs.
